Shizi Dogs vs. Huolan Guardians (3)

Halftime came with the scoreboard reading 35-46 in favor of the Huolan Guardians.

An 11-point gap now stood between the Shizi Dogs and their place in the semi-finals.

The atmosphere in the arena had shifted. While the Dogs were still in the game, tension chewed at the new fans.

"The Guardians are killing it in this game." 

"I thought you said the Shizi Dogs were good? The gap isn't too large, but they're not going to win against the Guardians at this point." 

"Well, the Guardians are the second best in Beijing. You can't compare that to a team that is second-best in Jilin! That state is tiny." 

Meanwhile, Jilin, fans watching the game, could feel the same nervous energy. Instead of engaging in discourse, most of them stayed silent and responded to prayer, hoping the Dogs would pull through.

However, the Guardians were playing on another level. Could the Dogs even catch up?